How to Make Candles with Crisco

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Making candles with Crisco is a budget-friendly and easy way to create your own homemade candles. Crisco, which is a brand of vegetable shortening, can be used as a base for candle-making due to its ability to burn smoothly and evenly. Whether you’re new to candle making or simply looking for an alternative to traditional wax, Crisco can offer a fun and creative solution. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make candles using Crisco, including materials, techniques, and tips.

Why Use Crisco for Candle Making?

There are several reasons why Crisco is a popular option for homemade candles:

• Affordable: Crisco is inexpensive and easy to find in most grocery stores.

• Smooth Burn: Crisco provides a smooth and even burn, making it ideal for creating homemade candles.

• Soft Texture: Crisco is soft and easy to work with, allowing you to create candles that have a smooth, creamy texture.

• Customization: It’s easy to add color and fragrance to Crisco-based candles, making them fully customizable for your needs.

Materials Needed for Making Candles with Crisco

Before you start making your Crisco candles, gather the following materials:

• Crisco Shortening: Crisco is the main ingredient. You can use a can or block of Crisco for your candle base.

• Wicks: Choose cotton wicks or wooden wicks, depending on your preference and the size of your container.

• Containers or Molds: Glass jars, metal tins, silicone molds, or any container with a sturdy base will work for these candles.

• Fragrance Oils (Optional): If you’d like to add fragrance to your candles, make sure to use fragrance oils specifically designed for candle making.

• Candle Dye (Optional): If you want to add color to your candles, you can use candle dye or crayon shavings.

• Double Boiler or Microwave-safe Container: You’ll need this to melt the Crisco.

• Thermometer: A thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the melted Crisco to prevent it from overheating.

• Stirring Stick: A wooden stick or spoon for mixing fragrance or color into the Crisco.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candles with Crisco

Follow this easy guide to make your own Crisco candles:

Step 1: Prepare Your Wick and Container

Before you start with the Crisco, you need to prepare your container and wick:

• Secure the Wick: Attach your wick to the bottom of your container or mold. Use a wick sticker, a dab of hot glue, or a small amount of melted Crisco to ensure the wick stays in place.

• Center the Wick: Make sure the wick is centered and upright. You can use a wick holder or tape to keep the wick in place while the candle sets.

Step 2: Melt the Crisco

Now, it’s time to melt the Crisco.

• Double Boiler Method: Place the Crisco into the top part of a double boiler and fill the bottom part with water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the Crisco has melted completely.

• Microwave Method: If you prefer, you can use the microwave. Place the Crisco in a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it has completely melted.

The temperature of the melted Crisco should be around 160°F (71°C). Be sure not to overheat it, as this can cause the shortening to break down or lose its consistency.

Step 3: Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)

Once the Crisco has melted, it’s time to customize it by adding fragrance and color.

• Fragrance: If you want your candle to have a scent, add fragrance oil once the Crisco has melted and has cooled to around 140°F (60°C). Stir gently to distribute the fragrance evenly.

• Color: If you want to add color to your candle, you can use candle dye or crayon shavings. Add a small amount of dye at a time, stirring until you achieve the desired color.

Step 4: Pour the Crisco into the Container

Carefully pour the melted Crisco into your prepared container or mold. Pour slowly to avoid air bubbles, and leave some space at the top to prevent spillage when the wick is added.

• Monitor Wick Placement: Ensure that the wick stays centered as you pour the melted Crisco into the container. If needed, adjust the wick holder to maintain its position.

Step 5: Let the Candle Cool and Set

Allow the Crisco to cool and solidify. This can take several hours, depending on the size of the candle and the room temperature.

• Top Off the Candle: If you notice any gaps or holes forming as the Crisco cools, melt a little more Crisco and pour it over the top to fill in any voids.

Step 6: Trim the Wick

Once the candle has fully cooled and hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) above the surface of the candle. This will help your candle burn evenly and prevent excessive soot.

Step 7: Cure the Candle (Optional)

For the best results, let your Crisco candle cure for 24–48 hours before lighting it. Curing allows the wax to fully set and the fragrance to fully infuse the candle.

Tips for Making Candles with Crisco

To ensure your Crisco candles turn out great, here are a few tips:

• Use the Right Wick: Make sure to use a wick that is appropriate for the size of your container and the type of wax you’re using. A wick that is too small will cause the candle to burn poorly, while a wick that is too large may cause excessive soot.

• Add Fragrance and Color Sparingly: A little fragrance or dye goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. You can always test the fragrance strength by smelling the melted wax.

• Experiment with Textures: Try mixing different oils or adding additives like herbs or glitter to the Crisco to give your candles a unique texture or appearance.

In Conclusion

Making candles with Crisco is an affordable and fun way to create beautiful, custom candles. Whether you're looking for a simple project or something unique, Crisco candles offer smooth burns and plenty of room for creativity. With a few simple ingredients and tools, you can create candles in various colors, scents, and shapes to fit any occasion. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or simply enjoying them yourself, homemade Crisco candles can bring warmth and beauty to any space.

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